Educator profile: Molly Bardonaro, teacher, Helke Elementary

Name: Molly Bardonaro

Position: Third grade teacher at Helke Elementary and varsity girls high school basketball coach in Vandalia-Butler City Schools.

Education: Graduated from Butler High School in 1998, earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio University in 2002 and a master's degree from the University of Dayton in 2008.

Where do you live? I live in Vandalia with my husband Jeff of 8 years and our two sons, Bennett and Joey.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in the Butler Township/Vandalia area.

How long have you taught at Vandalia? This is my seventh year teaching in Vandalia and my 13th year teaching overall.

Why did you want to teach at Vandalia? While away at college I always thought I would be so honored to land a teaching/coaching position at my alma mater and wear purple and gold again. I wanted to teach in Vandalia because, when I was a child, the schools were very strong, prepared me well for my future, and were always supportive of student athletes. Being able to give back to the students of today what I received is extremely rewarding.

What's your favorite thing about teaching? Honestly it is watching young children get excited about something they learned.

What do you most appreciate about this community? As a teacher/coach in Vandalia-Butler City Schools, the community has proven to me how willing they are to help. If there is a need for anything all I have to do is ask and the support is there from a parent or community member.

Describe your teaching philosophy in 10 words or less: Try new things and never stop learning.

What one word best describes you? Selfless

What's your greatest achievement as a teacher so far? That would have to be seeing my first class of third graders graduate from high school and go on to wonderful things.

What are your favorite hobbies? Vacationing and spending time with my family, being outdoors, and being active.

What's your hidden talent? I guess my hidden talent would be that I would challenge anyone to a 3-point shooting contest!

Who would you most like to meet? There are two gentlemen I would love to meet. The first would have to be my father's father. He passed away before I was born. The other, on a lighter not,e would be Chevy Chase, a comedic genius.

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